Kentucky Gov. Andy Besher swiped Thursday with a fellow leading Democrat leading California government Gavin Newsom.
Bessia, whose Republicans’ significant state popularity transformed him into a potential presidential candidate, told reporters that Newsom should not open his platform to Steve Bannon, an outspoken advocate for President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda.
“I think it’s great that Governor Newsom brings a variety of voices. We shouldn’t be afraid to talk or discuss anybody,” Besher said in a Democratic policy hideaway in Virginia. “But Steve Bannon supports hatred and anger, and I don’t think we should give him oxygen anywhere, on any platform, even at some point, even violent.”
Criticism of Newsom, who is widely expected to run for president, amounted to something that could become an early skirmish in the next Democratic primary. It also reflects the division within the parties trying to find its foothold after Trump’s overwhelming victory.
The California governor recently launched a podcast. This appears to be an effort to find common positions in ascending conservative movements.
In his debut episode, which spoke with Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk, Newsmom attracted critical attention as it suggests that Demoms are wrong to allow trans athletes to participate in women’s youth sports. He was also critical of progressives seeking police refunds and using the gender-neutral term “Latinx.”
Newsom defended his approach and Bannon’s interview in an email statement Wednesday, saying it was “very important” to understand Trump’s move and how it worked in his final campaign.
In the one-hour episode, Bannon reiterated the debated claim that the 2020 election was stolen amid a debate that also covers tariffs and taxes.
“I think we all agreed after the last election that it’s important for Democrats to explore new and unique ways to talk to people,” Newsom said.
A Newsom spokesman, who plans to welcome Minnesota Gov. Tim Waltz in the next episode, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Beshea’s comments.
The Kentucky Governor, who was a speaker featured at the retreat along with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, was not merely criticising Bannon’s interview.
Former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger, one of the few Republicans in Congress challenging Trump, called it an “unusual” decision to host Bannon.
“I’m shocked by how stupid I am [Newsom] I’m going to invite Steve Bannon on his podcast,” Kinzinger said Wednesday. “Many of us who are appropriate have sacrificed their careers to fight Bannon, and Newsom is trying to run the careers and president by building him.”
